Entisaf Organization: Yemeni Youth Face New Year of Crises Due to Saudi Aggression and Blockade
The Entisaf Organization for Women and Children’s Rights affirmed that Yemeni youth are marking International Youth Day, which falls on August 12, amidst extremely difficult humanitarian, economic, and living conditions resulting from more than a decade of Saudi-American aggression and blockade.
In a statement issued on the occasion of International Youth Day, a copy of which was received by the Yemeni News Agency (SABA), the organization indicated that the ongoing aggression and blockade, along with the accompanying economic deterioration and collapse of basic services, have directly impacted the rights, future, and opportunities of young people for education, employment, and a dignified life.
The statement explained that young people, who represent a fundamental segment of society and a key force in building the present and future, have found themselves facing a harsh reality imposed by years of aggression. Opportunities for education, training, and employment have declined, unemployment, poverty, and displacement have worsened, and infrastructure and public services have been damaged.
According to the statement, the latest statistics confirm that more than 22 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection during 2026, including 10.95 million women and girls. This indicates the continued expansion of the humanitarian crisis and its repercussions on various segments of society, especially young people. The statement noted that young people face increasing economic challenges due to declining job opportunities, dwindling income sources, and rising living costs. This has pushed many into unemployment or precarious employment, depriving them of the ability to build independent economic lives, start families, and achieve their future aspirations.
The statement added that universities and institutes suffered destruction and significant damage to their infrastructure during the years of aggression. The economic situation has also impacted young people’s ability to pursue higher education, cover tuition, transportation, and other educational expenses, and has reduced opportunities for training, skills development, and scientific research. The statement further indicated that the latest data from 2026 shows that approximately 5.4 million people will face crisis or worse levels of food insecurity between June and September 2026, reflecting the immense pressure on families and young people in particular.
The statement emphasized that the aggression and blockade have left profound psychological and social scars on young people due to ongoing displacement, loss of income, and diminished future prospects. This necessitates genuine responses that address their psychological, social, and economic needs. The Entisaf Organization stressed that celebrating International Youth Day should not be limited to events and slogans, but should be an occasion to highlight the reality of Yemeni youth and their rights, which have been harmed by the aggression and blockade. It should also be an opportunity to work towards providing an environment that guarantees them access to education, training, employment, healthcare, and active participation in society.
The organization called on the international community, the United Nations, and international and humanitarian organizations to assume their responsibilities towards Yemeni youth, and to intensify efforts to support higher education and vocational training, empower youth economically, provide job opportunities and income-generating projects, and strengthen health and social services. This would contribute to mitigating the effects of the aggression and blockade and opening new horizons for them.
The organization called for placing Yemeni youth at the forefront of recovery, humanitarian response, and development plans, and ensuring their participation in shaping policies and programs related to their future. It emphasized that empowering youth and protecting their rights are fundamental pillars for any stable and secure future.
The organization also emphasized that the continued deterioration of the youth’s situation means the loss of enormous human potential that could have contributed to development and nation-building. It stressed that protecting their rights is not merely a local responsibility, but a legal and humanitarian obligation incumbent upon the international community. The organization called for urgent and concrete measures to guarantee Yemeni youth their right to a better future and a dignified life.